Impact on Family of Autism

Some people say that having an autistic family member is the best thing that has happened to the family.

'I feel privileged that my son is autistic because it has opened up a whole new world and made me look at everything so differently'.

However some people say that they face a range of difficulties because a family member is autistic.

For example, many of them become worried and exhausted looking after someone with autism. And they face the frustration of trying to find accurate information about interventions which work. Or of trying to cope with the lack of adequate services.

In some cases these difficulties can lead to family breakdown. In others it can lead to the family becoming more resilient and more united.